NEW DELHI: Bob Cowper, the Australian cricketer who achieved the first triple century in test cricket on Australian grounds, passed away at 84, as announced by Cricket Australia on Sunday.
During his international career from 1964 to 1968, he participated in 27 test matches, accumulating 2,061 runs with an impressive average of 46.84, including five centuries. Additionally, he claimed 36 wickets as a part-time off-spinner.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His exceptional batting skills combined with steadiness with elegant stroke-play, particularly evident in his remarkable 307-run innings against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in February 1966, which lasted 12 hours and spanned 589 deliveries.
This outstanding achievement marked the sole test triple century scored in Australia during the 20th century and was merely the 10th such score in cricket history. His return to the team for this match came after serving as 12th man in the preceding Adelaide test.
On Australian pitches, Cowper maintained an exceptional batting average of 75.78, ranking second only to Donald Bradman. Following his retirement in 1968, he established a career in stockbroking.
His cricket involvement continued as an ICC match referee. His contributions to cricket were officially recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket," Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird said. "Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian (state) teams of the 1960s."
Cricket Australia confirmed that Cowper is survived by his wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera.
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